The Holybro H-Flow is a compact optical flow and distance sensor module designed for UAVs, autonomous drones, and robotic platforms. It combines a PixArt PAA3905E1 optical flow sensor, a Broadcom AFBR-S50LV85D Time-of-Flight distance sensor, and an InvenSense ICM-42688-P 6-axis IMU in one integrated module.
Designed to improve positioning reliability when GPS is unavailable or degraded, the H-Flow provides accurate ground motion tracking, distance measurement, and stable navigation data for compatible flight controllers.
Integrated Optical Flow & Rangefinder Module
The H-Flow combines optical flow sensing and distance measurement in a compact all-in-one module.
This simplifies installation while providing both motion tracking and altitude reference data for improved low-altitude positioning.
PixArt Optical Flow Sensor
The integrated PixArt PAA3905E1 optical flow sensor provides accurate motion tracking.
It can track under low-light conditions above 5 lux and offers an effective viewing angle of up to 42°.
The onboard 40 mW infrared LED with 120° viewing angle improves low-light optical performance.
Broadcom Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor
The Broadcom AFBR-S50LV85D Time-of-Flight sensor provides precise distance measurement.
It features an integrated 850 nm laser light source, a 12.4° × 6.2° field of view with 32 pixels, and a typical distance sensing range up to 30 m.
DroneCAN Communication
The H-Flow uses DroneCAN communication through a Pixhawk-standard 4-pin JST-GH CAN connector.
DroneCAN provides reliable, high-speed data transmission between the sensor and compatible flight controllers.
Compact & Lightweight Design
With a compact form factor and a weight of only 15.2 g with casing, the H-Flow is easy to integrate into UAV and robotic platforms.
The module weighs only 3.5 g without casing, making it suitable for lightweight builds requiring optical flow and distance sensing.
Technical Specifications
Product: Holybro H-Flow Optical Flow and Distance Sensor Module
Application: UAVs, autonomous drones, robotic platforms, GPS-denied positioning, and low-altitude navigation
Optical Flow Sensor: PixArt PAA3905E1
Distance Sensor: Broadcom AFBR-S50LV85D Time-of-Flight sensor
IMU: InvenSense ICM-42688-P 6-axis IMU
MCU: STM32F412CEU6
Communication Protocol: DroneCAN
Connector: Pixhawk-standard 4-pin JST-GH CAN connector
Optical Flow Low-Light Tracking: >5 lux
Optical Flow Viewing Angle: Up to 42°
Optical Flow Working Range: 80 mm to 30 m
Maximum Angular Rate: Up to 7.4 rad/s
Infrared LED: 40 mW / 120° viewing angle
Distance Sensor Light Source: Integrated 850 nm laser
Distance Sensor Field of View: 12.4° × 6.2° with 32 pixels
Typical Distance Range: Up to 30 m
Ambient Light Operation: Up to 200k lux
Weight with Casing: 15.2 g
Weight without Casing: 3.5 g
CAN Termination: Software-controlled CAN termination
What’s Included
1× H-Flow Module
1× 4-Pin GH Cable
2× M2.5 Screws
2× M2.5 Nylon Locking Hex Nuts
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